Daniel’s eyes flashed with anger. “No right? You forfeited any privacy the moment you laid a hand on her. You should have known I’d find out about your indiscretions sooner or later. I hoped you’d choose a better path. Clearly, I was mistaken.”

Anna, still shaken, found strength in her father’s presence. The shame and hurt gave way to a small spark of hope. Her father’s intervention was a lifeline she hadn’t expected but desperately needed.

Michael’s bravado faltered. He could feel the weight of judgment pressing down from all sides—from the spectators, from Daniel, and from his own conscience. The image he had crafted for years was crumbling, and he was rapidly losing control of the narrative.

Samantha, sensing the shift in power dynamics and realizing her own precarious position, stepped back, her earlier bravado replaced with the discomfort of being on the wrong side of public opinion.

Daniel took a step closer to Michael, his voice dropping to a level that only those nearest could hear. “Leave now, Michael. We will talk about this later, in a more appropriate setting. But know this: your actions have consequences. For Anna’s sake—and for the sake of the child she carries—you will be held accountable.”

Michael looked around, the sea of eyes on him feeling like a tidal wave. With his options rapidly dwindling and the shame of the situation closing in, he turned and walked away, the path opening before him as the crowd parted in silence.